St. Cloud teen makes name on power soccer circuit

A St. Cloud teenager who uses leg braces to help him walk is making a name for himself as a power soccer player.

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By Associated Press

Crookston Times - Crookston, MN

By Associated Press

Posted Dec. 1, 2013 at 12:00 PM

By Associated Press

Posted Dec. 1, 2013 at 12:00 PM

St. Cloud, Minn.

A St. Cloud teenager who uses leg braces to help him walk is making a name for himself as a power soccer player.

Riley Johnson, 16, was born with arthrogryposis, a disorder that causes joint stiffness. He loves all sports, but his disability has made it difficult to participate with traditional teams.

He was introduced to power soccer at age 6 at the Courage Center in Golden Valley, and now plays the game with a specially-designed power wheelchair.

"He decided that was the sport for him," his mother, Kim Johnson, said.

"This was something he could participate in."

The St. Cloud Times reported that Riley Johnson is a member of Team USA, which traveled to Paris earlier this month and won the Under 18 International Power Football Tournament. Team USA dominated the competition, defeating an Ireland team 11-0 in the final game.